Tag: death

The Summer 2012 issue of Stance for the Family is now available! This issue covers important topics in education, relationships, death, and many more. The topics discussed are so important to our families, and the authors have presented the ideas beautifully. We hope you will find the information and inspiration you need to take a stance for your family, and for families everywhere.

The articles in this issue are

– An Unexpected Event
– A Sure Foundation: Coping with Infertility
– Does Father Know Best
– New Infants and Parental Relationships
– Taste the Bitter
– Engaging Family Literacy Practice
– Family Dinner
– My Brother’s Got a Bad Case of the Washingtons

We appreciate the time and effort the authors, editors, and designers have put forth to make this issue possible. We also thank our generous sponsors and donors. This issue is available to download by clicking on the image in the column on the right. To order a print version, please contact the editor at sftfjournal@gmail.com.

Imagine receiving a frantic phone call from your next-door neighbor saying that your son had just been shot . . . by his best friend. For the Stokes family of Oregon, this unthinkable event became a reality in January 2011, when their 12-year-old son Austin suffered a severe head injury after being shot with a loaded shotgun.

Since the near-fatal wound over a year ago, Austin has undergone numerous surgeries, including many to drain spinal fluid from his skull. Austin wears a helmet 24 hours a day to protect his exposed brain. He has had to relearn basic skills such as how to eat, walk, and talk, and has just recently returned to school with the help of in-home tutors.

Within the upcoming year, Austin must have at least two surgeries where doctors will use different parts of his ribs to help repair his damaged skull.

According to the Florida non-profit organization Families Against Murder and Accidental Shootings, the United States has the highest overall firearm mortality rate. The Center for Disease Control reports that more than 28,000 Americans have died every year since 1972 due to firearm accidents.

Because of these startling statistics and their personal experiences, the Stokes family hopes to raise awareness of gun safety from this incident. Austin’s father, Adam Stokes, says it best:

“Way too many kids have gotten hurt or killed by people who are not being safe. I am going to try my hardest to help other people hear this message so they do not have to go through what we have or even worse. Please help me get the word out and let’s make the world a safer place for kids.